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Dr. Nick Carleton is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina whose work focuses on supporting first responders and other public safety personnel.
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Website: http://www.rcmpstudy.ca/
Dr. Carleton works to build evidence-based solutions that can help mitigate the impact of the numbers and varied stressors on the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and other public safety personnel.This episode resonated with me. I appreciated the extensive data provided in the study and admired the proactive approach to mental health. Normalizing it from the outset, like any other skillâstarting with the basics and gradually advancingâreminded me of my early days in my EOD career. Just as I didnât begin by learning about IEDs but first had to grasp the fundamentals like explosives, switches, and triggers, thereâs a necessary progression in understanding and addressing mental health.
The episode presented numerous striking statistics, one of which stood out: while an average civilian might experience five or fewer potentially traumatic events in their lifetime, police officers and other first responders may encounter hundreds, even thousands, of such events throughout their careers.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/https://div12.org/psychological-treatments/disorders/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/Approaching mental health is like learning a new skill. (crawl, walk, run)Evidence based coping skillsPractice skills before you need themMindfulness Cognitive challenging Go to a mental health professional like you would a physician. Donât wait until there is a problem, be proactive.ExerciseMeditation or stop and take a 60 second breakStopping internal dialogue and challenge if thereâs truth to it. Identify if you are using avoidance coping strategies (alcohol abuse, denying an emotional response, behavior avoidance)
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Gina Gratza, MS, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator, and Psychedelic Educator and Researcher.
Websites: www.ginagratza.com & www.lookingglasscounselingpdx.comInstagram: @gina.gratzaAffiliated Websites: https://www.chrisstauffermd.com/, https://www.innertrek.org/, & https://www.coracenter.org/
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Gina is the owner of Looking Glass Counseling, which supports individuals with complex trauma and eating disorders. She also operates a coaching practice where she practices legal psilocybin facilitation and leads women's empowerment groups supporting preparation and integration practices. Gina teaches at InnerTrek, a psilocybin facilitator education program. And she also supports psychedelic research as a study therapist with the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab. Gina works with the Cora Center, InnerTrek Services, and Chariot in offering psilocybin facilitation in Portland, Oregon.
One of the coolest things that jumped out to me about MDMA assisted therapy was how it removes the fear aspect of historical trauma or memories and allows you to go into those spaces with compassion and love. Thatâs probably as hard to read for some of you as it was for me to write. I am not a super lovey-dovey or overly expressive person. I will often say a dumb joke to avoid direct expression of my deeper feelings. I have talked to several people now who have first-hand experience with this therapeutic practice, and they all said the same: so much love and compassion.I know for me I went a decade without feeling those kinds of feelings. I went so long that I began to think that how I felt was normal. Dark, irritated, uncomfortable, easily annoyed, numb, and so on. If I could have tried this type of therapy, I believe it would have expedited my healing process. I would have been more motivated because it would have been more obvious that I was not okay. I feel like the changes within myself were so subtle that I wasnât aware how bad it had gotten. I was so far off baseline and for so long that when I began to heal the good feelings coming back felt wrong. I would pick fights or create problems to have those negative feelings come back. I felt uncomfortable when I was not in a dysfunctional state.
Somatic psychotherapy (sensorimotor psychotherapy)Internal Family SystemsTherapeutic RelationshipâThe Language of Emotionsâ - Karla McLarenâTrauma and Recoveryâ - Dr. Judith HermanâThe Body Keeps the Scoreâ - Dr. Bessel van der KolkâWaking the Tigerâ - Dr. Peter LevineâHow to do the workâ - Dr. Nicole LePeraâThe Myth of Normalâ- Dr. Gabor Mate'My Grandmother's Handsâ - Resmaa MenakemâIn the Realm of Hungry Ghostsâ - Dr. Gabor MatePsychedelic assisted therapy EMDRMeditationLearning to trust yourself and building that self-trustBe in relation with your nervous systemPaintingInner healing intelligence Self-compassion practices SocializingSupport structureHuman interactionDeveloping your internal dialogueKundalini yoga
Resources Mentioned:
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Puuttuva jakso?
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Rob Sanderson is the Founder and Director of SWEL which provides a positive setting for Veterans and First Responders to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate through the sport of surfing.
Website: https://www.theswel.orgFacebook and Instagram: @theswelmission
Social Media:SWEL hosts free, all inclusive, weekend-long guided surfing âmissionsâ for deserving first responders and veterans where participants learn how to surf as a new way to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate themselves away from the stressors of their demanding careers.
For first responders and veterans, physical separation from a world of hyper-vigilance, high personal risk, adrenaline spikes, and unpredictable encounters is key to the ability to manage stress. SWEL uses a pairing of therapeutic sport, primarily surfing, and skills-based learning to promote healing through improving oneâs self-efficacy.
Travel, lodging, meal costs, and equipment associated with SWEL Surf Missions are fully funded through the generosity of donors, partners, and sponsors, allowing participants to be fully present without the worry of financial burdens often associated with traditional therapy programs.SWEL uses volunteers in the local community who are passionate about surfing to further create a robust and community-connected impactful program. Surf coaches are formally vetted prior to participation, and many have their own experience finding refuge in the ocean to relieve stress. Other SWEL Surf Mission volunteers include yoga instructors to teach and provide participants with another way to connect and align their bodies and minds, Chaplains who provide a supportive, participant-led listening ear, and other empathetic civilians who assist with mission logistics.
I have no idea why I was so pumped in this episode. I think it has a lot to do with the passion of those Iâve been talking with behind the scenes. Rob is one of those. He is so passionate about what he is doing, and I just love seeing that and having the chance to talk to those like him, Matt, Steve, Abigail, John, and so many more.
If you are a vet or first responder out there, get back in touch with the crew. There must be one or two of them that are on the right path that you can chat with. I isolated myself for so long. I just sat quietly in mixed groups or parties.
Have you ever answered the questions too honestly? Haha I had one just the other day. The response, âWhy do you suck the air out of every conversation? Everything is about death with you.â They were joking, but it feels true sometimes.I was speaking with an upcoming guest, and I mentioned to him that I loved those times me and the boys got together around a bar and just talked story. It was so nice to get those thoughts out and in an environment where death wasnât a conversation stopper but the start of an even better story. He said, âThatâs not all good and not all bad.â Itâs healthy to have those chats.
Rob has created a healthy environment where these hammers can get together and have those kinds of conversations again. The one he shared about the two officers that havenât seen each other since the one saved the other after he was shot in the face still gives me goosebumps. I loved this episode, as I do most of them. I hope you find something rewarding in it also.
âThe Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)â by Dr. Russell CrawfordSurfingEMDRMeditation Eating rightHiking Tactile MeditationPhysical fitness and staying fitDo challenging things
Resources Mentioned:We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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Steve Odom is the Owner/Operator of Spartan Tactical Solutions, a Former Marine, Former Sergeant, and SWAT Team member for San Luis Obispo County Sheriffâs Office.
Website: https://www.spartanshooting.com/Instagram: @spartan_steve_odom
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Steve Odom is owner/operator of Spartan Tactical Solutions firearms training company located in San Luis Obispo. He served four years in the United States Marines as an Infantryman, fireteam leader, and squad leader. He was meritoriously promoted several times and awarded the âNavy and Marine Corps Medalâ for heroism. He recently retired at the rank of sergeant after serving 29 years at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffâs Office. He spent 17 years on the SWAT Team and was twice awarded the âMedal of Valorâ. He has been a law enforcement firearms instructor for over 29 years and rose to the position of Senior Range Master for the sheriffâs office.Steve is a lifelong martial artist and LAPD certified Arrest and Control Instructor. He has studied various traditional martial arts, Muay Thai, western boxing, and Brazilian Jui Jitsu. He has boxed and grappled competitively at the amateur level and holds a blue belt in BJJ.
Steve spent the latter years of his career developing a wellness program for the sheriffâs office to help other deputies deal with the impact of life as a first responder.
I really enjoyed talking with Steve. His approach to being prepared really resonates with me. I see some people in this space accept being a victim or accept being âbrokeâ. When I started this journey, I noticed I had issues related to being insecure. That was a huge ego check for me. I was living a life and projecting an image of a person who was so confident. I was very confident while still running ops back in the day but somewhere along the way I lost some confidence. I think it had a lot to do with me not challenging myself anymore. I stopped pushing the limits of myself, and then I started doubting myself and what I was capable of doing or being. I started listening and believing those barking dogs. Ha, thatâs a reference to a book by Rickson Gracie. He says, âNever lose sleep over the barking dogs. They are dogs, thatâs what they do.â Talking to doctors at the VA saying that my TBI/PTSD was like a child touching a hot stove. Or being villainized for seeing life through a lens thatâs not all rainbows and sunshine. There is nothing wrong with struggling with a traumatic situation. Itâs not weak; itâs really freakin' normal.I felt alone in the civilian word with my struggles. I notice when I tried to talk about the real stuff around some groups it would completely kill the vibe in the room or party. I just stopped talking about those things. It wasnât until I reconnected with the boys that I found a big resource that I was missing: Reach out to those who have been there and done it with you. They are most likely having some of the same struggles you are and wonât judge you for asking for advice or just venting.
Martial ArtsDiscipline Being a servant leaderHaving people in your life that hold you accountableSurround yourself with the people you want to be likeLeadership coursesWorking outSobrietyEMDRBrazilian Jui JitsuPeer support training to help identify problems earlyWarrior mindsetBox breathingOODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act)Stress Inoculation (Exercise, combative, martial arts)Building resilience Build confidence 75 Hard ChallengeSelf-care (sauna, cold plunge)Journaling Eating well; properly fueling your body
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Peter Forcelli is a 9/11 Survivor, Retired ATF Executive, and former NYPD Homicide Detective
Website: www.peterjforcelli.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peterforcelliPurchase His Book: https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Path-Operation-Furious-Lawyers/dp/B0CCMMQKCQ
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In retirement from his role in law enforcement, Peter Forcelli now focuses his time and energy on coaching law enforcement leaders and in speaking out about the importance of self-care, resilience, understanding, and dealing with both PTSD and survivorâs guilt. He also speaks about law enforcement accountability and his role in blowing the whistle on Operation Fast and Furious, which he did while battling PTSD. He is also a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.This was an unexpected pleasure. I say that because I heard of Operation Fast and Furious, but I was so consumed with deploying, then chasing money and adrenaline that I didnât realize it had happened in my old stomping grounds. It was fun reading a book about places and events I have a memory of instead of imagining where this all took place.
That aside, the man who is telling the story, Peter Forcelli, was an awesome guest. He is so passionate and genuine. I really enjoy talking with him. It was so cool hearing his story, struggles and triumphs.
There were a few moments that popped out to me personally. In his book he is mentioning being able to tell that someone was likely dead due to the amount of blood he saw while entering a scene. This jumped out to me because knowing that is not a normal thing. The cues that first responders have stored in their minds to help them quickly assess a situation is wild. This reminded me of a chat I had with a medic. He knew before anyone else that the child he was looking at would not survive; he didnât need to spend any time on her and moved on. Or how an EOD tech can smell sulfur in the air or white phosphorus from a mile away (sarcastic mile). Sound of an explosion to know if itâs incoming or outgoing. Sound of a bullet zipping past or a mortar coming in.
A person learns a lot and retains a lot from their life experiences. First responders and some combat veterans sometimes have years of learned lessons that help them be better in chaotic situations. I just find it interesting that people who know these things and have them so quickly accessible to be successful are then demonized or looked down on by others for later struggling with the weight of those learned lessons.
Meditation with Anthony Profeta ( https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyProfeta)Walking, being outdoorsSupport StructureMedicationDoing challenging thingsGet those dark thoughts out, with a friend, a therapist, spouse, journalâŠSpending time with family or loved onesHelping other and giving back to your community
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Robin Collins is a certified Health Coach and the founder of Pathway To Wellness With Robin. She educates, empowers and encourages Veterans and First Responders to learn ways they can support and balance their mind and body.
She knows firsthand what it's like when the brain and body are not functioning optimally. During the process of healing from a TBI, Robin became inspired by the science of Neuroplasticity and Posttraumatic Growth.
Website: http://www.pathwaytowellnesswithrobin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytowellnesswithrobin/
As a result of learning different ways to retrain her brain, she learned about and experienced both and this is some of the important information she wants to educate others about. Her goal is to help fill some of the gaps that Veterans and First Responders are experiencing in standard treatment options with compassionate coaching utilizing Holistic Health principles.
Social Media:If you didnât hear our first episode together, please go back and checkout episode 45. I was so pumped to have the opportunity to be the first guest on Robinâs podcast. I have not really checked in with my audience and given a status update and loved the challenge of being the one being interviewed. After this episode I spent days - that's a lie, weeks - reflecting on how I could have said things differently or better. This really gave me a chance to appreciate those who have joined my podcast.
In addition to that I feel like this gave me a chance to have a hard look at myself. I noticed that I am giving myself excuses to prioritize my professional career over my mental health. I justified it by saying it was okay, âI was too strictâ, âneeded to loosen upâ. I do not agree with that after giving it some thought. The ego is a sneaky beast. It is as clever and smart as I am. Iâm being lazy and justifying it how I need to while I allow myself to slip back into some old habits that are comfortable but lead me in a direction I do not want to be going in. This was an amazing experience, and I think I want to get out there and talk to more. I want to be held accountable.Robin did an amazing job as a host on her new podcast. It was such a pleasure to be part of it. If you havenât seen her website and podcast, I hope you go check it out.
I hope you all enjoy her episode! She is such a positive and uplifting person to speak with.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Dr. Erica Zelfand specializes in integrative mental health and functional medicine. Dr. Zelfand is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, trainer of psychedelic facilitators, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer.
Website: https://ericazelfand.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrZelfandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzelfand/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzelfand/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLf-uE2JAoUVRVoXMy26LCA
Social Media:Dr. Erica Zelfand is the CEO of Right to Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering people around psychedelic healing and other life-saving techniques that conventional medicine has ignored.
Dr. Zelfandâs training and skill set span the spectrum of both conventional and natural approaches. She treats people of all ages and stages of life, from newborns to those approaching the end of life. Areas of focus within her family practice include: autoimmunity, endocrinology, and integrative mental health. She is deeply committed to patient-centered, root-cause-oriented, nature-honoring approaches to healing.
Dr. Zelfand loves sharing her knowledge, her reverence for nature, and her zesty sense of humor with her colleagues, her patients and clients, and audiences of all sizes worldwide. She is also a fan of dark chocolate and group hugs. To learn more and connect, please visit www.DrZelfand.com.
A zesty sense of humor is an understatement - Dr. Zelfand was so much fun to talk with. She is such a positive person and had what seemed like an endless amount of information on this topic. I really enjoyed her passion in the science behind how these chemicals work in our body to help and in some cases, it could lead to a bad experience or even a worse situation.
Dr. Zelfand and I are on the same page in not believing in a magic pill. The big takeaways for me are stacking and 1A/2A receptors. Stacking (adding positive mental health practices with micodosing) is something I have done and others have talked about doing, but it was by accident. It has me wondering what other coping mechanisms or positive life practices I can stack to make those moments and experiences better.
The 1A/2A receptors is a cool concept too. I am still reading about how these compounds attach to the 2A and assist with unlearning or learning new ways around psychological problems instead of connecting to the 1A. Most SSRIs are compounds that will attach to 1A receptors. They will help you endure more discomfort or increase your psychological resilience.
I hope you all find this chat interesting and informative!
Class on Microdosing: https://psychedelic.support/education/microdosing-psilocybin-lsd-what-we-know-so-far/Stament StackingStacking (combining positive mental health practices with microdosing)âA Really Good Dayâ by Ayelet WaldmanHikes or being outdoorshttps://psychedelic.support/education/Meditation, mindfulness practiceReligious or spiritual practiceTherapy, group therapyTâai chi, yoga, qi gongJoyful movement, exerciseJournalingMaking, appreciating artVolunteering, helping others
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Matt Domyancic is a Medically Retired Officer, SWAT, Chaplain, Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, & Peer Support and Wellness Advocate.
Website: https://www.tacticalchaplain.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinbluelinespirituality/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-domyancic-b7203b6/Profile: https://www.globalassociates.org/matt-domyancic/
Social Media:Matt Domyancic is a medically retired police officer that worked patrol, Peer Support, SWAT, and as full-time police academy instructor for fitness and officer survival. While a police officer he was also concurrently a D1 strength and conditioning coach at Yale and Georgetown universities and led campus ministry for athletes. After his retirement, he was a strength coach and sports psychology consultant for professional and Olympic athletes at Velocity Sports, including NFL combine preparation for top round draft picks.
Now Matt is also a Chaplain and Peer Support for various nonprofits that proactively support first responders dealing with stress and trauma. Police psychologists refer officers to Matt to do wellness activities along with peer support such as cold plunge, sauna, breath work, and sensory deprivation float tank. His approach integrates fitness, nutrition, sleep, self-regulation, and holistic self-care as a path to proactively grow mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually - rather than the common reactive-only approach to after someone has begun experiencing breakdown with PTSD, addiction, divorce, or suicidal ideation.
This is a cool story. Iâm so grateful to have been connected to Matt. His father challenged him academically and athletically growing up, leading to him developing discipline and structure that would become the core of what is Matt. This led him to be a D1 football player at the Air Force Academy, later graduating from Colgate. Then forensics, SWAT, strength and condition coach at Yale, chaplain and now a mentor and advocate for our first responders.I love it when I meet someone who has a life I admire. I want to know how they did it. What cheat code did they use? The more people I talk to that have lives I admire the more I realize the cheat code is simple: Being disciplined, prioritizing mental and physical health, being mindful of what you fuel your body with, and having a goal. The other little commonality is how they view challenges. The cheat code is to see challenges as a positive thing - donât fear failure. If you fail, you still learn, you still grow, and you become more enlightened or knowledgeable. Chase those dreams. The more I talk to the amazing people, the more that Iâm only afraid of living an unchallenged life.
MeditationDiscipline, consistency, and passion in the things you doHave goalsWorking outJournalingHaving someone you trust to talk withTherapy or a spiritual leaderâŠhave an objective perspective to check you and tell you when something seems off or is offTrain your unconscious competenceHave the tools to endure rough waters in place before you find yourself in rough waters. Be proactive.ArtworkDancingGet outdoorsFast from technology If something resonates with you, write it down and do more of it tomorrowBreath work
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life t -
I wanted to thank everyone who has helped with the podcast this year and since the beginning. If it wasnât for the hard work and awesome support of Adore Digital Marketing, I would have reached only a fraction of the supports that I have. I have crushed all the expectations I had for the size of this podcast and the reach. I just assumed it would be my family and a few of those EOD brothers and sisters.
Thank you to all the first responders, NGOs and leaders that have joined the podcast to share their stories and resources out there to help others find peace or raise the quality of their lives. I cannot wait until this podcast is my only job because it has been so much fun and has allowed me to connect with people really changing the landscape of mental health.
I hope you have the most wonderful holiday season. If you are feeling isolated, alone, or depressed, reach out to friends and family that you havenât talked with in a while. If no one pops to mind, feel free to shoot me a DM or email. Next year is looking to be another impactful year for the podcast and me personally.
Happy holidays; see you next year!
Social network that allows you to talk openly and freely about mental health. I have a group of people I text, video chat with that help me stay accountable, as well as allows me to bounce my ideas off them to develop my internal dialogue better. Helps me challenge my perspective and become a better person. Educating myself on topics I want to learn more about. Gives me confidence and helps me feel like Iâm not wasting my time. Challenging myself. When I challenge myself, I realize that I am not as sensitive to discomfort. The things that once felt challenging are no longer intimidating. Being companionate with myself. It has been a challenging year. I have had moments this year where I really struggled to stay on the path. I have been in a few high-pressure situations and found myself slipping into old habits. Becoming a better person isnât like turning on a light switch. Itâs a constant disciplined approach toward betterment.
Resources Mentioned:We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
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Deborah Green is a retired 911 dispatcher, mental health advocate, and memaw of 10.
LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-green-202781237/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/d911green/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deborah.green.790/TikTok: Deborah Green (@d911green)
Social Media:Deborah Green is a former 911 dispatcher who developed PTSD after a horrific call where she lost her officer. She is now a mental health advocate hoping to change the support provided to first responders. When she is not wrangling one of her TEN grandchildren, she is on a podcast or talking to all that will listen about her story and those like her.
Deborah was a wonderful guest. My mother was a dispatcher. I remember we were too small to stay at home and babysitters were not free. Thankfully my mother was able to take us to work when she worked the night shift. We would sit there and listen to her officers get into some hairy situations. I was pretty good at looking up license numbers on the microfiche. I still remember how she would end a transmission: KR441. Talking with Deborah had me walking down memory lane. Even back then I would worry for the officers, and when the silence was over and they came across the radio saying all was good to go, it was such a relief. I hope you enjoy her story as I did and find something positive to take with you.
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MeditationExercise, going for walks outsideBeing outsideBe present in the momentTherapyGratitude posts every day on Facebook for two yearsDiscipline and holding herself accountablePositive support structureWe would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
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Matt Quackenbush is a trauma therapist, public speaker, researcher, a writer, and a teacher. Matt is the Director of Education and Training for Deer Hollow Recovery and host of the Finding Strength Podcast.
Website: https://deerhollowrecovery.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/deerhollow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/57638957/admin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deer_hollow/Matt's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattquackenbush.lcsw/?ref=py_cFinding Strength Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/findingstrengthpodcast
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Matt has been a prominent advocate for change within the mental health community for nearly two decades, an exceptional public speaker with over 300+ hours of on-stage speaking experience. Renowned for his captivating presence, thought-provoking ideas, and impeccable delivery, Matt has become a sought-after expert. He is currently engaged in a national speaking tour with Deer Hollow Recovery & First Watch Wellness, where he educates First Responders, Veterans, & their families on the profound impact of stress, trauma, & PTSD. This highly requested training program showcases the most up-to-date best practices that are currently being utilized to address the mental health crisis within the First Responder and Veteran Communities.In addition to his speaking engagements, Matt serves as the esteemed host of the critically acclaimed Finding Strength Podcast. Through this platform, he explores various topics related to mental health, resilience, & personal growth, providing valuable insights to thousands of listeners.
Moreover, Matt holds the distinction of being a Certified Mind-Body Bridging Therapist, specializing in a diverse range of evidence-based trauma treatment models. With extensive experience encompassing over 15,000 hours of trauma-focused therapy, he employs therapeutic approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psychodrama, & mindfulness techniques.
Matt's dedication to his field and his extensive expertise makes him a highly respected professional within the mental health community. He was recently honored at the Health 2.0 International Healthcare Conference receiving the "Outstanding Leadership Award" due to his innovative work that is creating wide-spread change across the landscape of healthcare.Matt Quackenbush, The Quackstack, Sir Quackattack, The Quack is back⊠I had so much fun meeting Mr. Quacktastic, and it wasnât just because he has such a fun name to say. This guy is knowledgeable and passionate. It was an amazing combo. Addiction has been a topic I wanted to discuss, and I hope to discuss more. I find it interesting how we can grab onto things for comfort and ignore the consequences that are sometimes deadly. I really enjoyed how Matt broke addictions down and put it in a perspective that clicked for me. I have always been fascinated on how an addiction isnât always drugs, it can be an action like too much working or excessive exercise. It could be eating or most popular in the Veteran and first responder communityâŠ. alcohol. You can, and many do, love an addiction to death. Matt breaks down ways to identify if you are struggling, steps and resources to try if you are struggling and lets you know there is hope. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. -
âTallâ Tim is a retired firefighter with 44 years in the fire service. Married 29 years, two adult kids, and now the Director of First Responders for Stronger Families, a non-profit that does relationship work for military, veterans and first responders.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongerfamilies/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongerfamilieslivePodcast: Heroes at Home PodcastWebsite: www.strongerfamilies.comTim's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.sears.92Tim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timgsears/Stronger Families helps departments strengthen marriages, families, and personnel. They understand how important it is to have a strong support system, especially in the workplace and at home, there to provide that support.
The support they provide is Department Wellness Block Training. This is 6 sessions, available in both on-site training and online training through their Dashboard, which includes videos, PowerPoint slides, scripts, and materials needed for the training.
For First Responders at home, they offer customized 8-hour Couples Retreats for departments, unions, and guilds. A Stronger Families OXYGEN Retreat is an experience designed for First Responder couples to receive life-changing relationship skills so they can be strong and thrive at home and at work. This weekend includes tools and opportunities for couples to connect with their partners and to laugh, learn, and become empowered to better navigate their relationships.
They also offer Date Nights where they help customize 6 different topics, each lasting about 90 minutes that you can bring to the couples in your department. These can be taught as âtrain-the-trainerâ as well, so your own people from your department can host the events.
They have a newly created Spouse Support Network, where they assist in building a custom online dashboard for the PARTNERS of First Responders. The dashboard provides access to videos, podcasts, articles, and book suggestions, with new material added each month.
They are a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring life-changing relationship skills to military, first responder, and veteran families so they can be strong and thrive both at work and at home.
Deer Hallow https://deerhollowrecovery.comFirst Watch Wellness , https://1stwatchwellness.com/Warriorâs Rest Foundation, https://warriorsrestfoundation.org/Mighty Oaks https://www.mightyoaksprograms.orgNo Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
I really enjoyed talking with âTallâ Tim. I know I say that about every episode, but I really do enjoy these stories. It reminds me of when I felt alone and isolated. I was trapped in my own mind assuming that everyone was judging me and seeing me in the warped negative light that I saw myself in. Hearing Timâs story about getting help and not just getting it but wanting it. Wanting to be a better person - a better spouse - is so cool. Stories like these are my favorite to share because I know thereâs a ton of us out there that feel exactly like he did. I know I did. Hopefully you all find something in this that is motivating and helpful.
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. -
Robert N. Cuyler, PhD serves as Chief Clinical Officer of Freespira, Inc. Dr. Cuyler supervises clinical operations of the company, heads research initiatives, and represents Freespira in conference, publication, and media outlets. His research on real world outcomes with Freespira was published in 2022 in Frontiers in Digital Health. Dr. Cuyler received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Louisiana State University and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Menninger Foundation.
Dr. Cuyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cuyler-phd-0618a62b/Freespira's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreespiraFreespira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freespiraFreespira's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freespiraincFreespira's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Freespira_Freespira's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freespira/
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FreespiraLearning to breathe properly and importance of your breathDoing things that make you feel uncomfortable.Donât avoid or allow avoiding behaviors to take controlTalk therapyProlonged exposure therapyIn-Vivo therapy
Robert N. Cuyler, PhD's consulting and management activities have focused on solving access problems in behavioral health, with a concentration on incorporating telemedicine and healthcare technology into clinical practice. He is the author (with Dutch Holland, PhD) of the book "Implementing Telemedicine: Completing Projects On Target On Time On Budget". He has authored or co-authored four textbook chapters on telemedicine, including the recent editions of Emergency Psychiatry and Textbook of Community Psychiatry.
As Freespira's Chief Clinical Officer, he is involved in their research activities. They have a randomized clinical trial underway at the University of Texas using Freespira as a treatment for a range of anxiety conditions. They are collaborating on a grant that will gain additional evidence on effectiveness with PTSD in veterans and active-duty military. They are also collaborating with a VA psychologist looking at sleep apnea in veterans to determine if Freespira will help participants use CPAP therapy more effectively.
It was such a pleasure speaking with Dr. Cuyler. I love talking to people who are passionate about what they are doing. You can hear his enthusiasm as he talks about helping others. I always find myself learning something new when I have the opportunity to speak to these individuals with so much experience and knowledge working with people with PTSD. This was no different.
I think the one that stood out the most to me was that deep breathing meditation may not be the best tool to use in a situation where you are being triggered or during a panic attack. This lines up well with what the doctor from Ukraine said to me. She mentioned that meditation can sometimes make the symptoms worse. I am not suggesting mediation is bad at all. I find that it is the best way to set me up for a successful day; I love doing a quick session following my cardio in the morning. I have noticed that if Iâm in an intense situation I can maintain my calmness with controlled breathing. I would like to explore that topic more. Staying calm in highly stressful situations. Well, until next timeâŠ
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. -
Andi Ward, former Construction Electrical with the Navy Seabees; Director of Training and Resources for the non-profit Merging Vets and Players; Fitness coach and all-around health and wellness enthusiast
Andi's Instagram: @andi.ward64Andi's Facebook: Andi WardAndi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andi-ward/Website: https://vetsandplayers.orgMVP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mergingvetsandplayers/MVP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVPMergingVetsandPlayersMVP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merging-vets-and-players/MVP the Movie: https://vetsandplayers.org/mvp-the-movieWatch now on iTunes, Prime Video, Verizon, Google Play, DirecTV, Microsoft Movies, Showtime and more!
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Andi served as a Construction Electrician with the Navy Seabees and did deployments to Iraq and Africa. Knowing first-hand what it was like to struggle with the transition after leaving the service, Andi was drawn to working with other veterans and has been in the veteran non-profit space since 2017. In her role as the Director of Training and Resources for the nonprofit Merging Vets and Players, Andi designs and delivers training plans for staff, coaches and volunteers and connects members to resources in their area. She also co-authors MVP-PRO, a collection of concepts, topics, questions, and practices designed to move us all forward, increase our wellness, and build a stronger foundation of the people we deserve to be and the lives we deserve to live.
Andi has a Bachelors in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Active Lifestyle Development and is a strength coach at Unbreakable Performance in West Hollywood, CA. In her free time, Andi enjoys working out, snowboarding, scuba diving, working with horses, and adventuring with her partner and their 90 lb. pit-bull.I always like to try and formulate a concept of someone prior to recording or really starting to talk with a guest. I have heard of MVP but never really dove into the organization before. When I was first connected with Andi, I had a much different idea of the person as to the one I soon discovered.
If you would like more info on her story, go check it out on the MVP website. Sheâs a real badass. I really enjoyed this conversation and talking with someone who is so passionate about what she does. I mean, she literally took time out her freakin WEDDING DAY to speak with me and share the awesomeness MVP is doing in our community. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.
The Body Keeps the Score â Bessel Van Der KolkIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts â Dr. Gabor Mate (anything by Dr MatĂ©)Chasing the Scream â Johann HariWhat Happened to You â Dr. Bruce Perry and OprahAnything by BrenĂ© Brown
Resources Mentioned:We would really appreciate a share and lik
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Brainspotting and GHP with Dr. David Copeland, Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor in Florida, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and Brainspotting Practitioner; Author of Godâs Healing Process: An Everyday State of Grace Existence
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHPCounselingServices/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidicopeland/Twitter: https://twitter.com/dicopelandWebsite: https://www.ghpcounselingservices.com
Social Media:Dr. David Copeland is a retired USAF veteran: started off front line Cold War, fall of the wall, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, over to the desert a number of times to include Kobar towers, and a remote tour at Kunsan Korea. After retiring from the USAF, he entered Youth Ministry for four and a half years and became a mental health counselor.
His work has included both individuals & families with experience ranging from infants, children, & adolescents to Special Forces Combat Veterans (men & women). He's a former counseling director at Genesis House, where he worked with addiction issues and individuals coming out of prison or addiction centers. He has experience working in a clinical setting with a Medicated Assistant Treatment (MAT) program for opiate addictions.
Currently, Dr. Copeland is providing mental health counseling services in his private practice in Niceville, FL near Eglin AFB. His work includes helping individuals with trauma issues from adverse life experiences. His experience includes working with Combat veterans and their families on marital and attachment issues created from adverse conditions aka trauma. He has had several years of experience as a child and youth behavioral counselor with military families.Dr. Copeland is also a Christian Life Coach helping individuals with spiritual formation and has developed a unique and practical approach to trauma treatment by integrating science and faith that he calls God's Healing Process (GHP).
I have always enjoyed my conversations with Dr. Copeland. I understand why people may have approached him with their problems in the days before he became a counselor. He is very approachable and has a depth of understanding that is easy to follow.I listened back to our episode, and I noticed I didnât ask a ton of questions in the early stages of the episode. I felt like every time I had a question, he just naturally transitioned into explaining that specific question I had. I feel like we could have talked for hours. I'm looking forward to the next time we chat and getting some experience trying brainspotting and self-spotting.
Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change by David Grand, PhDThe Power of Brainspotting: An International Anthology by Gerhard Wolfrum Ed.This is Your Brain on Sports: Beating Blocks, Slumps, and Performance Anxiety for Good! by David Grand, PhD and Alan Goldberg, EdDBrainspotting with Children and Adolescents, An Attuned Treatment Approach for Effective Brain-Body Healing by Monika BaumannManâs Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklHaving connection with others
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We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, please reach out. I would love to have a chat. -
John H. is Former EOD, a Combat Veteran, & the Author of Awakening of a Foot Soldier. He is a friend, father, soldier, sailor, and lover of life with a dash of pessimism and a hankering for shit-stirring.
John served in the military in Somalia and Bosnia and has worked on the contracting side in the Middle East, East Europe, and Asia.
In Iraq, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening which altered his life trajectory and consciousness.
This was a fun episode for me. It was my first video recording; I donât have the video, or I would post it. It was fun having a conversation about PTSD and life with a friend in a real setting. I enjoyed listening to how he identified internal signs that he was heading back to a war zone prior to his departure to Ukraine. I had also been identifying some changes within myself prior to coming to Ukraine.
It was also interesting hearing him explain his personal journey to understanding his psyche, understanding it in his own way and in his own time. It may be hard to pick up on John's sarcasm, but it is so thick and constant. That is one of the reasons I find him hilarious. It really made for a fun episode. I remember when it ended thinking to myself, "how was that two and a half hours?" It felt like it went so quick. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
ExerciseOutdoorsAcupunctureCranial SacralRolfing Meditation Energetic Therapy ShamanismPsychedelics Pursuing TruthLiving open, real, and true to yourself
Resources Mentioned:
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Robin Collins is a Health Coach and founder of Pathway To Wellness With Robin.
Robin educates, empowers and encourages Veterans and First Responders to learn ways they can support and balance their mind and body.Her passion is to help fill some of the gaps Veterans and First responders are experiencing in standard treatment options with compassionate coaching utilizing Holistic Health Principles.
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Robin was such a lovely guest. She mentioned something that took me back to thoughts I had before seeking help for my mental health issues. I clearly remember thinking to myself that I wouldnât get help for what I assumed was this PTSD thing everyone spoke about. I was so mad at myself for being weak and not being able to handle war better. I saw so many other guys who were over there with families, kids, normal lives and no anger issues or drinking problems. My pride kept me from healing for so long. Almost like if I pretended I didnât need help then I wasnât weak, and I didnât have PTSD. Seeking help was the hardest thing I ever did. I believe it was so hard because it was the death of the idea of who I wanted and thought I should be. The projection of me I wanted others to believe was the real me. By getting help I was finally free to just be me. The peace that comes with just being free to be you and being a version of you that you are proud of, I cannot articulate accurately enough to give justice.
Dynamic Neural Retraining SystemNeuroplasticity Coach StructureNutritionistMeditation by Joe Dispnza Breathing Exercises
Resources Mentioned:
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Rob Hollingsworth is a co-founder of Plant Your Flag and former Navy K9 handler and police officer in Henderson, NV and Tacoma, WA.
WebsiteLinktree
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Rob is a veteran and former law enforcement officer. Through his service his assignments included K9 and SWAT. Unfortunately, he had the misfortune of responding to multiple heinous events in his career. These included just about anything imaginable and unimaginable. Through these experiences he developed PTSD that took him years to "admit". Also, during these times, he would hear military veterans and law enforcement officers express their desires to change the trajectory of their life but say things like: "but what else would I do". As someone who is constantly striving for growth, to build an empire, and live how he wants to live, he realized that there was a dire need to help these individuals.He now seeks to help people from these communities to think big, get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually, and to learn how to live the life that they want. They do this all in their community: Plant Your Flag.
Since exiting LE, he has started a roofing consultant company & engaged in conducting roofing inspections, insurance claim consulting, and other aspects of the industry. He is an open book when it comes to speaking about PTSD and the effects on both veterans and law enforcement officers.
Rob is someone I really wished I had met when I started transitioning out of the military. My first job after active duty was Home Depot. Robâs introduction to new members is asking if they wanted to work at Home Depot. I, for one, did not .
I feel like Rob is on an awesome path connecting with transitioning police officers and veterans to civilian life. The progression of my civilian career was mostly built on who you know and friends introducing you to others. Thatâs the impression I got from talking with Rob. This is the first introduction to a friend who wants to help others with educating them on lessons learned through trials and errors heâs made in life to make that transition easier for you.
Healthy Eating HabitsKeeping Your Body FitEMDR22ZeroNetworkingShort Realistic Goals
Resources Mentioned:
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. -
Ray is a US Marine veteran 0331 who served with the 1st Battalion 2nd Marines STA platoon during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. After the Marines, Ray attended Illinois State University, where he graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice Sciences.
Website: https://warriorshealingnetwork.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Warriors-Healing-Network-103865162334905Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorshealingnetwork2022/
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Ray is the owner and founder of Koru K9 Dog Training and HRD Police K9, serving as a trusted advisor and trainer to some of the most elite law enforcement K9 units across the country. The focus of HRD Police K9 is to create intense scenario-based training to help save lives on the street.Ray has first-hand knowledge with complex PTSD and the short falls of existing treatment options, especially within the VA system. He has personally attended Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica and can speak to the use of Ayahuasca Ceremonies as an effective treatment for PTSD as well as the importance of set and setting when choosing a safe treatment option.
Knowing what is expected from our men and women in the military and/or law enforcement, he felt more needed to be done to help them deal with the crushing symptoms of PTSD - so he started Warriors Healing Network to give those in need the opportunity to get back in the fight for their lives.
In his spare time, he enjoys heavy metal, shooting, fine dining, horseback riding, and caring for the many animals that reside on his farm. He lives just outside of Charleston, SC with his wife, Bridget.
The Warriors Healing Network was founded to help facilitate psychedelic treatments to combat veterans and police officers who have been diagnosed with PTSD and require financial assistance to get the help they need to fight for their lives.
I really admire Ray and what his organization is doing. There is a lot of talk about the legalization of psychedelics, and with that there will be more opportunities for people to have access to them. I really appreciate how Ray elaborated on integration work. This is why I believe psychedelics were beneficial for me. I felt like psychedelics gave me a window of opportunity where I was emotionally disconnected from past trauma and old patterns. I used that window to add healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating better, and meditation. I have never regressed back to where I was before trying psychedelics.
I do want to add that I also think itâs important to be in the right mindset before trying psychedelics. There is tons of research out there. My personal go to is the MAPS organization. Episode 21 with Dr. Feduccia is a great episode. She made a comment that has also stuck in my mind: âItâs important for someone to work with a therapist if the intention is to work through past traumatic experiences or if they have PTSD. Because if they [trauma] come up [during an experience on psychedelics] and a person doesnât have support or someone there to help them work through whatâs going on, it can be re-traumatizing.â
PsychedelicsPsychedelic assisted therapyIntegration workIntegration coachAyahuasca retreatLifestyle changes (being uncomfortable and vulnerable)MeditationYoga Cold plunge Breathing exercises Wellness practicesDocumentary âHow to Change Your MindâDocumentary âAwaking SoulâDocumentary âHealâ
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Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of DOHP.net.
Website: DOHP.netInstagram: @thatsdohpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekohanleySF Chronicle feature: https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/photographer-documents-alameda-county-first-responders-in-time-of-pandemic-protestEMS World feature: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature-story/your-job-captured-photosLink to book materials: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gf609gsaq6wbru7/AAA0YtGRDLc6HUmpQhlle0OLa?dl=0
Social Media:Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of https://www.dohp.net/. Derek endeavors to increase honor and respect for medics in society through photography and visual media. After serving in the US Air Force as a paramedic and instructor, he worked as a civilian paramedic in New York and served a tour with the Army National as a combat medic and instructor. During his service, Derek received many commendations, including the Army Achievement medal, and a nomination for division soldier of the year. He has feature-length credits for cinematography, photography, and sound. Derekâs photos have also been heavily published in EMS World Magazine.
I saw so many similarities with Derekâs journey and my own. I really enjoyed this conversation. I could have chatted with him for hours longer I feel like. He articulates his journey so well. Listening to him describe the feelings of being burnt out and how he was fearful of it having a negative impact on his ability to operate resonated with me. It reminded me of that conversation I had with myself in Afghanistan after hitting our third IED in a few weeks. I remember something broke inside and for the first time ever I felt fear creep in. That fear never left. Like most fear in my life, I was able to move past it but it was always subtly nagging at me. I often wondered if it was also subtly influencing my decisions I made and if it would negatively impact my process in disarming IEDs.
The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk (A game changing book on trauma)The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge (An amazing book on neuroplasticity)âLiberated Mindâ Steven HayesACT therapy Neurofeedback therapyRTMSConsistency with a Healthy RoutineGood Support StructureGetting Out of the Four Walls (Get Outside)
Resources Mentioned:
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community. - Näytä enemmän
